To want a “hairstyle” rather than a “haircut”?

[TammySwansonTwo]

Okay, so this is a bit light hearted but is frustrating me.

I’ve never found a hairstyle that I think really suits me. I’ve been to umpteen hairdressers over the years (moved around a lot) and I always say I just really want something that suits me as much as possible... and what I get every single time is a variation on the same boring variation on a shoulder length-ish layered haircut. Maybe that’s the only haircut that can possibly suit me... but to be honest I don’t even think it suits me that much.

I’ve been to cheap and expensive hairdressers, relative newbies and senior hairdressers, but I always end up with a shorter version of what’s already there.

For those of you have a more interesting hair style (which isn’t difficult, my hair is so dull), how did you find what works for you? How do you find a hairdresser who understands face shape and knows how to complement it?

Spent £50 odd quid on a hair cut this morning (upper end of the price range where I live) and it’s yet another boring layered cut (although I did spend an extra £15 on a treatment so at least it’s soft and shiny!).

I had a fringe once and liked it but my face is much fatter now and more “triangular” shape - when I was slimmer it looked more oval I guess.

Pixie?
Grow it long?
Grow the layers out and have a blunt bob?
Have a partial side-swept fringe?
Dye it a really bright colour?
I feel your pain but have accepted that my lob suits me and is low maintenance so I’m sticking with it!

If you are asking them to choose a style for you, in my experience, they won’t. I’ve never had any help from a hairdresser with deciding what suits me either. I’m going to try an image consultant as I want to explore a new wardrobe and get my colours done etc. Perhaps they can suggest suitable hairstyles.

I would love a hair dresser tho looks at my hair type, colouring, lifestyle ect and say yes! This hairstyle would be best. It’s my holy grail, like you, I’ve never found one and paid lots of money in my quest

I don’t understand why they’re so reluctant to at least discuss ideas - I don’t want to take in photos of things that would look shit on me and ask them for it because they might not say anything and do it and I’ll hate it. Surely they know what suits people?

I’ve always had longer hair - tried a long bob a few years ago (one of the few times I asked someone for something specific) and it just didn’t suit me, but I see people all the time who have longer hair that’s far more interesting than just a boring layered haircut.

I would love to have a big full fringe but I don’t think it’s right for my face or that I have thick enough hair, sadly.

What I need is a Gok Wan makeover but without having to be naked on the telly 😂

I feel your pain. I used to take my thick long straight hair in and basically give them free rein, didn't mind if it was short, long, whatever, just wanted a STYLE. I've never walked out of a hairdressers feeling like I've had a makeover and I'd love to! Maybe an image consultant would be better then?

Agree. I've had two hairdressers in my life who were able to suggest hairstyles that I loved, sadly they both moved salons and the subsequent times I had my hair cut by someone else it was never as nice. This was probably 15 odd years ago though, and I've never since found a hairdresser who had any initiative - except the bad kind when they cut off more than I want!

Strangely I’ve taken pictures and they have told me that it’s not possible with my hair type, or that the picture is filtered and that colour is impossible. Right-o so what’s going to work then!?!

Because they dont know what you want and are frightened of getting it wrong, sou they play safe.
You only get the Sort of service you want if you pay a LOT of money or on the telly

I would actually pay a lot of money if someone would give me a proper hair make over but I wouldn’t know where to go!

I’ve had a pixie, a short bob with fringe, a layered long bob, an asymmetrical cut, a one length bob.abd that’s just in the last few years. As to finding what suits you, you try things out! And see what you like. If you want something interesting you have to ask for it!

Are there any hairdressing colleges/schools near you? (not sure what you call them in the UK)
I found that students were more likely to take a risk, try something new just for the sake of trying it/being able to put it in their portfolios etc.
They might also be learning that 'consultation' phase (which should be part of a salon cut!) and have in fresh on the mind rather than being focused on rushing you out the salon door.

I would collect a bunch of photos you like the look of, order them from shortest to longest (or longest to shortest)
Take the plunge and start at one end, then work your way through them until you find something you like.

I went from longest (my hair was hip length) to shortest and ended up with a bob just below chin length which suits my round face when styled up/down/straightened/natural waves and is just long enough to tie back off my face when I cant be bothered)

There’s apps where you can ‘try out’ hairstyles on a photo of yourself, maybe that’s worth a go?

Go to the Vidal Sassoon Training School - wont cost much, but they teach people, to cut hairstyles. The people they train tend to be head hairdressers back home and they would love anyone walking in who wants a style.

I used to say as long as it takes five mins to do, do what you want. Got some amazing cuts and colour ( need the test in advance for colour). I also got some seriously amazing teachers cutting my hair as demo.

I've always found that the more established the relationship with a hairdresser, the more willing they are to suggest stuff - once they know you, your needs, how your hair behaves/grows etc.

As a PP said, trainees are also great for that. I used to go to the Vidal Sassoon academy in central London for a mega cheap haircut (£5!) and it was always amazing. You had to go in with a totally open mind - you were just a model and you got what you were given within reason, but oh my gosh, the cuts were good.

I think you can find them but they don't come cheap.
I have an appointment end of next month and can't wait, and have no idea what I'll end up with
Try speaking to them either visit or call and stress you want this service as part of the consultation.
It's annoying as they are the specialists, they do know what suits your face shape etc.
Imo if they aren't willing to advise then they aren't very good.

It’s because they place a high value on hair and so think the rest of us do to. Whereas I think it’s just hair. They are worried we will be traumatised if we don’t like it as they think it’s more important than it is.

After similar failures when I wanted a drastic restyle, I booked an appointment and dressed up. I said I didn’t have any children and that I was indeed going out tonight and every other night and I was going on holiday etc.

I have a hair appointment in an expensive local salon today. I have pictures, but very open to suggestion. Going to see how it goes

I find I have to be pretty forceful to make a hairdresser get off the fence, they need reassurance that you're happy for them to do more than 'take the weight out of it'.

But if you have long hair and don't think shorter hair or a fringe suits you, what's left?

I find a style that I like, then find 4 or 5 various photos of that kind of style. When I take them in, I make sure she knows that I’m not expecting that exact cut, it’s just to give us both some ideas.
She asks what I like about that style and can adjust it to suit me. Whether it’s the colour, length, layers etc
I have been going to the same one for 10 years though so she knows I’m not afraid of drastic changes and is happy to do them.
Also if you see someone with hair you like, don’t be afraid to ask them about it. You’ll get some ideas and they’ll take it as a compliment X